Stuart Collingwood (pno), Neil Harland (bs), Paul Smith (dms), Mo Scott (vcl).Whilst I contemplated the appetising choice of starters from the Table D'Hote Xmas menu, Stu Collingwood had no such reservations - for his starter he went straight into "Sleigh Ride". It was bright and crisp and even - rather like what I imagine the Mustard Caesar Salad with Crisp Pancetta, Spring Onions and Soft Boiled Egg would be.
I don't know as, whilst I was deliberating between the Smoked Scottish Salmon with Shallots, Sour Cream & Lemon Rye Bread or the Prawn & Crayfish Cocktail with Marie Rose Sauce and Lemon, Mo Scott stepped up and 'Took a Chance On Love" followed by "Blue Skies" and "Embraceable You".
Even though, at this stage she was in 'let's not drown out the diners' mode the voice still came across with that distinctive edge that tells you there is a blues mama inside that petite frame just crying to be set free - she would be... later.
I went for the Prawn & Crayfish Cocktail just as Mo "Got the World on a String" - both were excellent - the Marie Rose Sauce giving the Prawn & Crayfish the kind of backing Mo was getting from Stu and the boys.
"Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You" told anyone who didn't know that this was Mo's 'Main Course'.
I don't mean the song, I mean the idiom. In a previous life Mo must have been born in Texas raised in Tennessee because you don't sing like that if you were born in say Surbiton and raised in Borehamwood.
Talking main courses - my Rib Eye Steak with Garden Leaves, French Fries & Bearnaise Sauce went down a treat accompanied by Mo's rousing version of "Squeeze Me" and her plaintive wailing on "Don't Explain".
The band, the chef and Mo were moving into top gear.
Mulled Fruits with Gingerbread Ice Cream combined with the final blast on "Route 66" to make this a rather special evening. The crowded room demanded more and they got more - blues that is.
I may have concentrated on Mo and food - pig that I am - but Stuart Collingwood was also on form even although, by his standards, he was relatively restrained. When he did say 'to hell with the wallpaper music' you knew you were hearing something. Neil, the most laid back guy in the business couldn't hit a bum note if he was paid to, and Paul, driving without overpowering, quietly swung throughout.
Monday nights here really are the business.
Next week it is Jim Birkett trio with Sue Ferris on saxes. Now for starters, a bossa novarish "Wave" accompanied by a souffle...
Lance.
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